Millenia is a Ukrainian Zabava band from Edmonton Alberta forming in 1999 as a young, energetic group of musicians dedicated to preserving and advancing Canadian Ukrainian music. Their early albums “Korinnya” (Roots) and “Zhyttia” (Life) pay homage to their initial Ukrainian musical influences.
In 2012, they released “Bratya” (Brotherhood) which portrays their niche style with a polished representation of their music. “Live! On the Rocks” was released in 2014 and was recorded in front of an enthusiastic crowd at “On The Rocks” in Edmonton.
This album exhibits their raw energy heard at live performances. In 2015, Millenia recorded with traditional folk ensemble Rozhanytsya from Ukraine, which spawned an EP granting them a “2016 People’s Choice Award” at the Edmonton Music Awards. Repeating this feat in June of 2019 with another Peoples Choice Award, plus a “World Music Recording of the Year” nomination, Millenia has become one of Canada’s premier Ukrainian Zabava bands. They continue to play extensively at festivals, zabavas, weddings and various other celebrations. 2019 marks their 20th anniversary, and to commemorate this milestone, they have released a 21-song album entitled “Budmo Hey!” comprising of traditional Ukrainian song and verse accompanied by Millenia’s musical arrangements.
Millenia has a wealth of musical experience and an extremely diverse musical background. Their mission remains to produce Traditional Ukrainian music in a modern progressive style.
Band Members
- Bobby Yakoweshen (Drums/Vocals)
- Johnny Wacko (Keyboards/Leading Vocals)
- Ryan Pugh (Guitar/Fiddle/Vocals)
- Shawn Ostafie (Accordion/Dulcimer/Guitar)
- Mike Brazeau (Bass/Vocals)